π Angel-Hair Pasta with Herbed Chicken π
Angel-hair pasta with herbed chicken is a delightful and flavorful Italian-inspired dish that combines tender chicken seasoned with aromatic herbs and served over delicate angel-hair pasta. It’s a dish that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds. Here’s everything you need to know about it:
π History:
The history of angel-hair pasta with herbed chicken can be traced back to Italian cuisine, known for its rich culinary traditions. Angel-hair pasta itself, often called “capellini,” is one of the thinnest and most delicate pasta varieties. It has been a part of Italian cooking for centuries. Chicken, on the other hand, is a versatile protein source that has been used in various dishes throughout history. The combination of these two ingredients, along with the use of herbs and spices, likely emerged as a way to create a balanced and flavorful meal.
π§ Components:
To prepare angel-hair pasta with herbed chicken, you will need the following components:
- Angel-Hair Pasta: This pasta is very thin and cooks quickly.
- Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is commonly used.
- Herbs and Spices: Common herbs and spices used include basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Olive Oil: Used for sautΓ©ing the chicken and enhancing the flavors.
- Vegetables: Optional vegetables like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or spinach can be added for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese can be used for garnish.
π¨βπ³ Preparation Steps:
Here are the steps to prepare this delicious dish:
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Marinate the Chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken breast with a mixture of chopped herbs (basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary), minced garlic, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Allow it to marinate for at least 15-30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
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Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add a bit of olive oil and then cook the chicken breast until it’s cooked through and nicely browned on both sides. This usually takes about 4-6 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the chicken.
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Boil the Pasta: While the chicken is cooking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the angel-hair pasta and cook according to package instructions until it’s al dente (usually around 2-3 minutes).
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Combine the Chicken and Pasta: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice it into thin strips or cubes. In the same pan, you can add some more olive oil and sautΓ© any optional vegetables you want to include. Then, toss in the cooked pasta and sliced chicken. Mix everything together to combine the flavors.
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Serve: Plate the angel-hair pasta with herbed chicken, garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and extra herbs if desired, and serve hot.
β±οΈ Time Needed:
The total time needed to prepare angel-hair pasta with herbed chicken depends on your cooking skills and whether you marinate the chicken. On average, it can be prepared in about 30-45 minutes. The marinating time, if used, adds an additional 15-30 minutes.
Enjoy your delicious angel-hair pasta with herbed chicken, and feel free to customize it with your favorite herbs and vegetables for a personalized touch! π½οΈππ
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Angel-Hair Pasta with Herbed Chicken:
Nutrition Facts (per serving, approximate values):
- Calories: Around 400-500 calories per serving.
- Protein: Provides a good source of protein from the chicken breast, typically 25-30 grams per serving.
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-50 grams of carbohydrates, primarily from the angel-hair pasta.
- Dietary Fiber: About 2-4 grams of fiber, depending on any added vegetables.
- Fat: Approximately 10-15 grams of fat, mainly from olive oil and the chicken.
- Saturated Fat: Usually less than 3 grams per serving.
- Cholesterol: Typically around 70-90 milligrams of cholesterol per serving.
- Sodium: The sodium content can vary depending on the amount of salt used in seasoning but is generally moderate.
- Vitamins and Minerals: The dish provides various essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, and iron. The herbs used also contribute to the nutrient content.
Health Information:
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Lean Protein: Chicken breast is a lean source of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.
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Moderate Calories: This dish offers a moderate calorie content, making it suitable for a balanced meal when portioned appropriately.
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Carbohydrates: Angel-hair pasta provides carbohydrates for energy, but it’s essential to be mindful of portion size if you’re watching your carbohydrate intake.
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Fiber: Adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers can increase the fiber content, aiding in digestion and providing a feeling of fullness.
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Healthy Fats: Olive oil used for sautΓ©ing is a source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
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Low Saturated Fat: The dish generally contains low saturated fat levels, which is good for heart health.
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Sodium Awareness: Depending on your preference for salt, you can control the sodium content by adjusting the amount of salt used in the recipe.
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Customizable: You can make this dish even healthier by incorporating more vegetables or using whole wheat angel-hair pasta for added fiber.
Remember that the specific nutritional values may vary based on the ingredients and portion sizes you use, so it’s a good practice to check product labels and calculate nutrition facts if you have specific dietary requirements or restrictions. Enjoy your meal in moderation as part of a balanced diet! ππ½οΈ